Former Dallas Cowboys tight end Jay Novacek, who starred on three championship teams with Troy Aikman in the 1990’s, is indicating that Tony Romo’s back issues remain a “huge concern.” But he also expects Romo to play due to the toughness the quarterback displays.
In an appearance on the NFL Network, Novacek had this to say about Romo.
I think it’s a huge concern. With what Tony brings to that team, his confidence, his leadership, the way he can do things, move around in the pocket. I think that’s such a big part of him that it is a concern. But he’s also a tough individual. He’s gonna play no matter what.
Until he can’t. That’s what you gotta love about him. They’re gonna be fine. The one throw I saw the other day, where he did throw deep, it was a duck. But guess what … hit him right in stride.
Romo underwent back surgery last December and has been a limited participant thus far in training camp. The Cowboys expect him to play the middle two preseason games while sitting out this week against the San Diego Chargers and the preseason finale against the Denver Broncos.
It’s more than a requirement for the Cowboys that Romo is healthy and ready to go once the regular season starts. With Brandon Weeden as Romo’s primary backup and considering how much the Cowboys have relied on him in the past, their season would pretty much be over if Romo were to miss extended time during the regular year. While that’s likely why Jason Garrett and Co. are taking it easy with Romo during training camp, having a quarterback with back concerns is always a cause for alarm.
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